Federal Clerks Chosen

Six UF law students have been chosen for prestigious federal judicial clerkships, where upon graduation they will work closely with judges in the federal court system.

According to Assistant Dean for Career Services Linda Calvert Hanson, many top legal employers recruit former judicial law clerks after their terms.

“We are very proud of these six accomplished students,” said Hanson. “The competition for these highly coveted positions is intense, and their selection is not only an excellent reflection of the student’s achievements but also on the UF Levin College of Law’s reputation with members of the judiciary.”

The students agreed this is a wonderful opportunity and will ease the transition into their careers. They expect to gain a better understanding of how judges come to their decisions, which will aid them in creating well written, more effective verbal advocacies. The six are:

• LL.M. in Taxation student Ted Afield will serve a year at the U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit under Judge Charles Wilson in Tampa. “This experience will increase my insight and analytical ability,” said Afield. “I will get the opportunity to see how the judge will attack each case.”

• Cory Andrews will serve a two-year term with U.S. District Court Judge Steven Merryday, Middle District of Florida, in Tampa, and will train his successor during his second year. “It will be invaluable to see so many trials and to have a chance to see great lawyers,” said Andrews.

• Scott Bauries will serve a year at the U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit with Judge Emmett Ripley Cox in Mobile, AL. “This will help me develop, sharpen and hone my legal talents,” he said. “More students need to know that this is an option.”

• Amanda Reid will serve with U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Schlesinger, Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville. “I hope to gain a better understanding of what happens in and out of the courtroom,” she said. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime and great transition to private practice.”

• Michael Sayer will work with U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Covington, Middle District of Florida, in Ft. Meyers. “I knew this was what I wanted to do, and I pushed up my graduation to be part of it.”

• Janelle Weber will serve a year at the U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit with Judge Edward Carnes in Montgomery, AL. “I hope to gain lots of experience and make a nice transition into private practice,” she said.

All six also have agreed to participate as alumni judicial clerk mentors and assist other UF law students interested in judicial clerkships.